Hi, I’m Olivia. I first started writing in lockdown as a way to preserve my sanity whilst I home-schooled three children. I didn’t realise quite how much joy it would bring me, and now, six books in (with many more half-written), I’m definitely addicted !I’ve always loved romance books, but they also infuriated me when the characters didn’t do what I wanted. So, I decided to write my own, where I’m in control! I also really dislike the romanticising of bad guys, which is why the love interests in my books will always be green flags all the way.
I love a glass of very pale rosé in a tall wine glass with a very thin stem. It tastes better that way! But really, I’m a homely person. I love nothing more than being with my family and my dog, preferably in autumn, wrapped up in cosy blankets. I hope you’ll enjoy my books, and I always love chatting about them, so please do say hello!
Meet Olivia Lockhart
Questions on Writing
What is the hardest part of your writing experience?
It is definitely finding the time. I work full time in a very busy role, and have three children, one of whom has complex medical needs. Getting five minutes to myself feels impossible most of the time. Luckily, I’m quite a fast writer, so am able to make the most of the time I do manage to carve out.
What have you learnt about yourself when writing?
No matter what I start writing, friends to lovers seems to crop up! I wonder if I had some long-forgotten crush on a friend that has caused this!
Do you make yourself write everyday/regularly, or only when inspiration strikes?
Only when time allows – so when that doesn’t match with inspiration it can be very frustrating!
What does literary success look like to you?
Indie publishing is fantastic and allows me a lot of freedom, but I would love to be writing so successfully that it could become my day job, that would be the dream.
How much planning/world building do you do before writing, and how much comes along as you write?
I’m not a planner at all. I generally have some basic character ideas and then begin writing and see where the story goes. Obviously, I always know there’ll be a happy ever after, or at least a happy for now!
What is it that draws you to romance novels?
It’s the human connection. That no matter the scenario, the time period, the people …romance always somehow finds a way. It’s that undeniable chemistry that exists between people, but we can’t quite pinpoint – I find it fascinating.
How do you celebrate when a book is published?
I’d love to say it was very rock n roll, but usually it’s a big glass of wine, and nervously looking at Goodreads for any new reviews!
Questions on Books and About You
Firstly, the most important question, what books are currently ‘on your bedside table’?
At the side of my bed currently are – The Kings Witches by Kate Foster, Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross, and Hit or Miss by Elle Kelk.
What children’s book would you suggest every adult read?
I think I’d say The Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson. When my kids were little, I read them lots of Julia Donaldson at bedtime. I remember reading The Paper Dolls for the first time and I was sobbing by the end. We must have read it a hundred times since and it still gets me. It’s a beautiful story, and just reminds us of how time passes, how life swiftly moves, but some things always remain.
What does your writing space look like?
It’s just my laptop on my knee; I’d love a dedicated space but at this point I think my dog has more room than I do!
How many books do you think you own?
E-books would be thousands. But paperbacks and hardbacks – maybe only ten, and I’ll pass them on as soon as I’ve finished. I never really read books twice – there’s too many new ones out there. And I don’t believe they should be sat dormant and dusty on shelves – they should be out there being enjoyed, cracked spines and bent pages and memories on every page.
Who is your literary icon?
It probably changes at different stages of my life, but currently Holly Bourne. I’ve read a few of her adult books and it’s like she just gets me. So relatable, and she’s so successful. I’d love to emulate that.
If you could own one rare/1stedition copy of a book, which would it be?
I’ll go with wishful thinking and say a rare copy of my own first bestseller in the future!
Is there an author who you always read?
I don’t think there is – I have a list of authors who I would avoid, but that’s an entirely different scenario!
And finally, are there any plans for any new books? If so, what teasers can you give us?
Lots of plans! The third book in my Lily series will be next. The second Liar book will happen at some point I promise! And I have other stand-alones started, my favourite being about a nanny and a sexy Australian!
Thank you Olivia😊I can’t wait to hear more about that sexy Australian!
Olivia Lockhart’s Books
